We get federal funds to act as an agent for change. We use funds to advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families. We do this, in part, by giving grants to organizations. These include nonprofits, for-profits, local and state agencies and education groups. We do not give grants to individuals.
Grant projects match our state plan goals and assessment recommendations.
We fund projects that bring change to policies, programs and systems. Projects should be effective and meet specific needs. They should be able to continue without constant funding. The aim is to change or grow existing community programs in a positive way.
We may also fund projects about: outreach; training; technical assistance; community support and education; collaboration and coordination; getting rid of barriers; systems design; development of citizen groups or informing policymakers.
Self-Advocate Scholarship Funding
To help reach the goals outlined in the State Plan, the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities can give money to organizations. This money comes in the form of scholarships and is meant to help people with developmental disabilities (DD) attend conferences or events. Organizations should read the procedures document to see if they qualify and understand the rules for getting funds. On the Application for Self-Advocate Scholarship Funding, organizations need to show how the event or conference will help achieve at least one of the objectives in the State Plan.
Current RFPs
There are no open Requests for Proposal (RFPs) at this time. Please check back soon.
Grantee Highlights
Ability First is a fitness and wellness program. They help people with developmental disabilities (DD) who live in rural areas. The program helps people to live healthy.
George Mason University is researching disability service info. They want to know who creates and shares this info, who uses the info and who else is involved. Their research will help our state to improve data and info access.
This project taught people with developmental disabilities (DD) how to use Supported Decision-Making (SDM). SDM makes people’s lives better. With SDM, people with DD have power to make their own choices, lead their own lives and avoid guardianship.
Training on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (TIDE) helps direct support workers. Through TIDE, workers explore bias and how a person’s sense of self impacts them. Sense of self includes thoughts about their disability, race, age and more. Building on that knowledge, workers learn to talk and empathize with people who are different from them.
The TIDE project is very important to me because it allows people with many ‘unique’ disabilities to collaborate, and advocate for change within the disability community. People with disabilities want to feel included in things like others, and the TIDE project made that happen.
– Taylor Thomas-Harris, TIDE Steering Committee ParticipantGrant Resources
Grantee Tip Sheets:
- Best Practices in Survey Design
- Demographic Data Collection
- Accessible Survey Design
- Evaluation Plan Tips
Applicants must register through the DD Suite system. There, please submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) and/or Proposal Application. At DD Suite, you can download the current RFP, proposal forms and other documents.
For More Information
Jason Withers
Grants, Contracts and Program Information Manager
(804) 786-9375
Jason.Withers@vbpd.virginia.gov